Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 Student Research Committee, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
2 Midwifery, Geriatric Care Research Center, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
3 Student Research Committee, Islamic Azad University, Kerman, Iran
4 Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing & Midwifery, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
Abstract
Introduction: Substance use disorder (SUD) is a major global health concern, and craving is a key predictor of relapse. This randomized controlled trial investigated the effectiveness of inhaled Citrus aurantium essential oil in reducing craving among individuals with SUD.
Methods: In this parallel-group randomized controlled trial, 84 adults with SUD attending the Noor Addiction Treatment Clinic in Rafsanjan, Iran, were randomly assigned to intervention or control groups. The intervention group inhaled 1 mL of 100% pure Citrus aurantium essential oil, while the control group inhaled distilled water, three times daily for three consecutive days during craving episodes. Each inhalation lasted approximately 5 seconds. Craving intensity was assessed immediately before and after each inhalation using the Desire for Drug Questionnaire (DDQ). Data were analyzed using chi-square tests, independent and paired t tests, and repeated-measures ANOVA (P < 0.05) (Clinical trial registration: IRCT20211128053199N1).
Results: Baseline characteristics and craving scores were comparable between groups (P > 0.05). After the intervention, mean DDQ scores were significantly lower in the Citrus aurantium group than in the control group (P < 0.05). A significant reduction in craving was observed across assessments in the intervention group (P < 0.001), whereas changes in the control group were not significant.
Conclusion: Inhalation of Citrus aurantium essential oil may serve as a simple, noninvasive, and low‑cost complementary approach for reducing craving in individuals with SUD. Further large-scale studies with longer follow-up are recommended.
Highlights
Lida Abazari (Google Scholor), (Pubmed), Mahin Ghiyasi (Google Scholor), Hanieh Hasani (Google scholor), Mahboobeh Jamali (Google Scholor), (Pubmed) , Ali Nakhei (Google Scholor), Aida Abazari (Google Scholor), (Pubmed)
Keywords
Main Subjects
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